# Metropolis

/məˈtɹɑpəɫəs/ (US) · /mətɹˈɒpəlˌɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/metropolis
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 2. historical founding city

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

in ancient times, the 'mother city' that started a new colony.

For teachers: the parent state or founding city-state of a colony, particularly in the context of Ancient Greece.

- Corinth served as the metropolis for several colonies across the Mediterranean.
- Historians examined the cultural ties that remained between the new settlement and its original metropolis centuries after the initial migration.

### 3. biological center

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the main area where a specific type of plant or animal is found.

For teachers: a primary geographical center of distribution for a particular genus or species of plants or animals.

- This region is the metropolis for several rare species of tropical ferns.
- The research identifies the river basin as the biological metropolis for these amphibians, from which they migrated to neighboring wetlands.

### 4. church district

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

the main city or area where a high-ranking bishop has their office.

For teachers: the see or central city of a metropolitan bishop, holding authority over other local church districts.

- The cathedral in the metropolis serves as the headquarters for the entire province.
- Ecclesiastical law defines the specific administrative powers the archbishop holds within his metropolis.

## Examples

- Tokyo is a massive metropolis with millions of people.
- The quiet village was transformed into a bustling metropolis within just a few decades of industrial growth.
- Architects in the modern metropolis must balance the need for high-density housing with the preservation of historical landmarks that define the city's unique character.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.